A car crash victim has been awarded £17,280 in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled that a colleague harassed her by comparing her to the late physicist Stephen Hawking. The incident took place when Alison McRobbie, a work coach for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), was showing off a new office chair designed to improve her comfort.
The Incident
According to tribunal documents, Ms McRobbie invited her colleague, Josie Hooper, to see the chair on 22 October 2022. Ms Hooper sat in the special equipment and, while spinning around and laughing, made an unflattering comparison to Stephen Hawking, who used a wheelchair for much of his adult life. Ms McRobbie alleged that Ms Hooper also made gestures mimicking Mr Hawking's disabled posture.
The tribunal heard that Ms McRobbie, described as a very sensitive person, may have misunderstood the remark. However, Employment Judge Catherine Rayner concluded that Ms Hooper did make a comment about Hawking, though she did not make facial gestures or mimic a disabled person. The judge stated that the comment drew particular attention to Ms McRobbie's disability and was therefore considered harassment.
Background
Ms McRobbie began working for the DWP in the Universal Credit department in June 2021. She suffers from arthritis and crepitus (cracking joints) in her right knee, right hand, and neck following a car crash in 2017. The crash also caused post-traumatic stress disorder, diagnosed in April 2022.
Upon starting work, Ms McRobbie requested reasonable adjustments to her desk and chair, as her existing seat was too low and lacked neck support, causing pain. After lengthy delays, a high-backed chair with a headrest was delivered and installed on 12 October 2022.
Tribunal Findings
The tribunal upheld Ms McRobbie's claim of harassment related to the Stephen Hawking comment. It also found that the DWP had failed to make reasonable adjustments for her disability. However, other claims, including unfair dismissal, were dismissed.
The DWP was ordered to pay Ms McRobbie £17,280 for injury to her feelings. However, the tribunal also ordered Ms McRobbie to pay £10,912 in costs to the DWP, after finding she had behaved unreasonably and dishonestly during proceedings, including exaggerating her colleague's actions. After costs, Ms McRobbie will receive £6,368.
Aftermath
Ms McRobbie, who now works as a social media influencer on TikTok, was dismissed from the DWP in November 2025 for alleged gross misconduct following a serious breakdown in the relationship. She represented herself during the tribunal.
